Film-washing



L. J. SAN.

FILM WASHING. APPLICATION FILED NOV. 19. 1919.

1,362,146. Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

UNITED STATES LOUIS JAMES SAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

' FILM-WASHING.

Application filed November 19, 1919.

and more particularly to washing opera tions in this art, the objects of the invention being to provide a novel method of, and apparatus for, washing motion picture films whereby thorough and rapid removal of all traces of chemicals used in the prior treatment of the film is assured.

A further object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus for washing photographic films which is extremely simple in construction, requires the minimum of initial installation expense, is readily maintained in operative condition, and is adapted to produce improved results in washing films.

Further objects and advantages of my invention will be apparent as it is better understood by reference to the following specification, when read in connection with the accompanying drawin diagrammatically illustrating one form of apparatus adapted to the practice of my inventionf The successful treatment of photographic films'depends very largely upon-the thorough removal of fixing chemicals by washing and this is a particularly difficult accomplishment in the treatment of motion pic' ture films. Motion picture films must, for example, frequently be completed .in the shortest possible time, as in the case of news films relating to current topics. In any event, the time employed in.treating films is a material factor of their cost and any unnecessary delay in washing slows up production and adds to the ultimate cost of the film. Films are, moreover, naturally delicate, the gelatin coating being subject to deterioration if permitted to remain too long in contact with liquid. It is of the highest importance, therefore, that the necessary washing be accomplished with the greatest possible facility. The sticky nature of the gelatin coating provides lodgment for dirt particles, if present, resulting in Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 14, 1920.

Serial No. 339,194.

spotted films which may be ruined thereby for commercial purposes. The washing should, accordingly, be accomplished in a manner insuring dislodgment of any dirt particles which might otherwise settle on the coating.

. I have discovered a simple and effective method of washing films which lends itself readily to the accomplishment of the desired objects and which, in practical operations, has demonstrated a marked improvement over previously known methods in rapid removal of extraneous chemicals. Briefly, my invention involves the introduction to the washing tanks of water in which air under pressure has been disseminated, the air being released as the water enters the tanks and causing a violent ebullition of the water which rises in contact with the film and overflows constantly from the tanks, thoroughly washing the films and carrying away any dirt particles which might otherwise settle on the gelatin surfaces. Of course, a single tank might be employed in connection with my invention, but it is usual to 'provide a plurality of tanks, each of which is connected to the water supply line to which water is delivered under pressure from any suitable source. The air is delivered under a corresponding pressure .directly to the water supply line from a suitable blower and is disseminated through;

the water before the latter enters the tanks. The air is released from pressure in the tanks, which are open, and the bubbles of air agitate the water and cause it to circulate in contact with the films with the result that the chemicals carried by the films are rapidly dissolved and carried away, thus cleansing the films in the minimum time.

The structure employed is simple and does not involve complicated plumbing connections or any mechanism other than a blower for air and under some conditions a pump for the water. Referring to the drawing, 5 indicates the tanks which are designed to receive frames 6 upon which the films are wound prior to developing and fixing The frames 6 are placed in the tanks following the fixing operation and are removed as soon as washing is completed, a large num 'injector 9 is provided in the water line 7 and is adapted to deliver air under pressure from a source thereof, such as a blower 10, to the water, in which the air is disseminated. The air employed is preferably drawn through a dust separator 11 in which any dustparticles are caught and held so that the air is substantially free therefrom. The air, which is thoroughly mixed with the water before the latter reaches the tanks, is released therein and the result is a violent ebullition which carries the fresh water to every part of the tank and insures the contact of fresh water continuously with the films on the frames 6. The water overflows continuously from the tops of the respective tanks into a drain pipe 12 which delivers the water into a sewer.

The tanks 5 need not be on the same floor and in fact,it is an advantage of my invention that the tanks may be arranged on several floors in separate washing rooms, and a single source of air under pressure serves for providing air for all tanks without a separate piping system for the air. Another advantage is that, whereas pipes through which air alone is delivered accumulate rust, particles of which would be carried into the tanks, the pipes in my apparatus are flushed with water and no rust is formed. The blowing of air into the water line accelerates the movement of the Water so that the separate pump therefor, may, under certain conditions, be eliminated. Another feature is the possibility of installing the apparatus where tanks and water pipes are already in place by merelyconnecting the air blower to the water line.

Obviously the details of the method and apparatus may be varied without departing from the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages and no attempt to illustrate mechanical details of the apparatus has been made, it being understood that such details form no part of the invention and that I desire to claim all embodiments of my invention within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A method of washing films in a receptacle which comprises delivering water to the receptacle through a suitable conduit, and introducing air under pressure to said conduit so that it mixes with the water before it reaches the receptacle, whereby the conduit discharges a mixture of air and water into the receptacle, and whereby the air in the water will cause an ebullition and circulation in the receptacle to assist in cleaning the films.

2. In an apparatus for washing films, the combination of an open tank adapted to receive the films, a water conduit connected to said tank adjacent the bottom thereof, means for delivering the overflow of water from said tank and means for introducing air under pressure into the water in said conduit before it reaches the tank.

3. In an apparatus for washing films, the combination of an open tank adapted to receive the films, a water conduit connected to said tank adjacent the bottom thereof, means for delivering the overflow of water from said tank and an air blower connected to said water conduit and adapted to deliver air under pressure to the water in the conduit before it reaches the tank.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

LOUIS JAMES SAN. 

